Indigenization at VCC

VCC’s journey towards decolonization, indigenization, and reconciliation is rooted in a thoughtful understanding of history, an acknowledgement of past and persisting racism, and a commitment to improve educational and career outcomes for Indigenous people in B.C.

We acknowledge that VCC is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial, and we recognize our privilege to work and learn here.

We acknowledge that Canada’s residential school system was an act of systemic genocide, the legacy of which continues to harm Indigenous people and communities today.

We acknowledge that VCC is a colonial institution and that as educators, we have a special responsibility to reflect on our own contributions to systemic racism and work to decolonize our attitudes, assumptions, and processes.

We acknowledge that Indigenous ways and knowledge offer tremendous value to our college, greater community, and environment.

We commit to continue listening, learning, and humbly collaborating to the work of reconciliation and decolonization in Canada.

Our Guides

VCC is guided to respond to the historic exclusion of Indigenous people in post-secondary education and career training as outlined in the following:

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)(2007)
and B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action (2015)

Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education Protocol (2014)

Our Projects

Supporting Indigenous student success

Priority enrolment

VCC offers priority registration for qualified Indigenous applicants in all programs and courses, as well as fee payment flexibility for self-identified Indigenous students.

Indigenous-focused program delivery

In collaboration with local First Nations and the Native Education College, VCC conducts outreach and delivers customized, on-demand basic education, academic upgrading, and career programs on campus and in community.

Indigenous Advisors and Elders on campus

Indigenous learners can access one-on-one assistance with program applications, funding research, and educational planning, and connect with Elders to experience traditional teachings and engage in culturally reflective counselling.

Indigenous Student Ambassadors

Incoming First Nations, Metis, and Inuit learners at VCC can connect with current Indigenous students or “cousins” for guidance in navigating the post-secondary experience.

Gathering Spaces

Dedicated areas on VCC’s Broadway and Downtown campuses support cultural safety and belonging while offering the use of computers, printers, kitchenettes, and meeting spaces.

Decolonizing our institution

Indigenization Framework development

VCC is engaging with expert consultants and community members to produce an official framework for indigenization across the institution.

Indigenous Education Advisory committee

VCC seeks regular operational and program guidance from an advisory committee representing numerous local First Nations, post-secondaries, school districts, and Indigenous community groups.

Gladue Report Writing program

VCC, with partner IndiGenius and Associates, has developed Canada’s first credentialed program teaching Gladue Report Writing, which aims to end over-representation of Indigenous people in Canada’s criminal justice system.

Professional development

VCC has developed an ongoing series of internal workshops and symposiums for VCC faculty and staff addressing topics such as cultural safety training, land acknowledgements, responding to racism, and preventing harassment and discrimination.